Large Quantity of Diapers, Formula Donated by South Placer Rotary Club
Sierra College Foundation (SCF) closes the Fall Semester as the recipient of a large donation of diapers and formula to Sierra College’s Basic Needs Center from the South Placer Rotary Club. The Basic Needs Center officially opened its doors to students, and often times, their children, in August. The Center assists over 300 students each week with everything from food, clothes, school supplies, computers, personal hygiene products, gas gift cards and more. More than 60 percent of Sierra College students are eligible for some kind of assistance. Data shows that when a student is welcomed and assisted by SCF their chances for success, graduation and continuing education are extremely high.
“Sonbol Aliabadi (SCF Executive Director) came to our South Placer Rotary Club and shared news of the newly opened Basic Needs Center, and we really just wanted to help,” said Ken Broadway, project chair, South Placer Rotary Club and Rocklin Mayor. “As a father and grandfather, I know first-hand the expense of diapers and formula. If we can help make students’ lives easier by providing assistance to their children, we want to be able to do that.”
South Placer Rotary Club collected donations from members and community members. On Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, Broadway delivered nearly 30 cases of diapers and formula. View video footage of the food delivery.
“This time of year, this type of donation is greatly needed. So many of our students are parents and diapers and formula is incredibly costly,” said Britt Bray, program manager, Basic Needs and Support Services for Sierra College. “Because of the great need, I imagine nearly all of these diapers and cans of formula will be gone relatively soon, and we will have to find a way to replenish.”
SCF has been incredibly active this Fall. This donation comes on the heels of a $100,000 grant received from Sutter Health for the Center earlier in the semester. Additionally, the SCF Board changed leadership in September as adored and revered former Placer County Sheriff Ed Bonner took the reigns as Foundation President from long-serving Robert Dugan. Dugan led the organization as president for more than 12 years through an exceptional period of growth, 2018’s successful Measure E, and the Pandemic. Dugan will stay on the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
In addition to the new SCF Board President, it also added new directors Placer County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar of Voters Ryan Ronco, Rocklin Chamber of Commerce CEO Robin Trimble, Josh Hart with iHart Mortgages and Michael Wagener with Marquee Media. Ronco and Trimble are graduates of Sierra College.
“People assume Sierra College students don’t need assistance because community college is nearly free,” said Sonbol Aliabadi, SCF executive director. “That couldn’t be further from the truth. While registration fees might be affordable, cost of living as we know is not. Students need help with food, housing, transportation – the basic needs. That’s where the Foundation can help.”
About Sierra College Foundation
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, SCF was founded in 1973 and serves as the advancement office for Sierra College. SCF is committed to aligning with Sierra College’s mission: Student success for all while closing equity and achievement gaps. Students often struggle, and financial limitation is the biggest hurdle to student success. SCF supports students by raising money through private donations, corporate giving, grants and events.
Sierra College Foundation is independently audited and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, most of whom live and work in the communities served by the Sierra Joint Community College District of Placer, Nevada, and parts of Sacramento and El Dorado Counties. For more information about Sierra College Foundation and how to give or volunteer, visit: www.sierracollege.edu/foundation.
